I’m propped up in bed in Dar-es-Salaam and killing a bit of time before I go to sleep. Firstly, “what a bed” you might well say: glitzy and plenty of space for a gal my size. What the bedroom photo doesn’t show is that I’m opposite a mosque, and in the enlarged photo you should be able to make out the speaker on the corner of the battlements. A small speaker but no shortage of volume.
Since arriving at the hotel the muezzin has ‘welcomed’ me twice at precisely 3.43pm and 6.14pm. I know this because I looked it up to find if I was due another verse or two during the night. Don’t get me wrong, I actually quite like the singing and find it melodious. But I’m seriously jet lagged, full of a cold and in dire need of a good rest before I get up at 4.50am to catch my next flight. Google says there should be one more prayer time in Dar-es-Salaam at 7.26pm. As I added the last full stop, literally, he started again at 7.45 but then stopped at 7.48pm. All being well the next one is scheduled for 5.15am and can serve as a back-up alarm. Spoke too soon … this guy hasn’t checked Google … he’s started again … maybe it’s practice night …
parrygraphs 
Oh you poor thing—jet lagged, full of a cold, and serenaded by surprise at all hours! That bed sounds like a dreamy cloud to collapse into, but I can totally picture you lying there waiting for the next unexpected solo from the mosque battlements 😅
I love how you’re taking it all in stride—with humour and curiosity, as always. Hopefully your next prayer-call-alarm stays right on schedule (or maybe skips this one altogether so you can finally get some proper rest).
Sending you a big hug, a warm cup of something soothing (even if just in spirit), and wishes for a peaceful sleep tonight 💛
Love,
Zhen
A lovely reply as always. I will be back at the same hotel tomorrow night. Before I went last time I’d had several email exchanges with the hotel manager as my arrival time kept changing. He said he’d picked out a special room. Let’s see which room I next time! xkx
Wow, I just listened to that chanting—it’s seriously loud! 😝
Hang in there, sis. Hope you can still get some rest and enjoy the adventure. Safe travels 🥰
That’s why I decided to record it so you could appreciate the volume! 😂
😜😜😜